How design is giving Singapore a global edge
Household technology and everyday super applications showcase how Singapore’s ecosystem drives breakthrough innovation.
Across every industry, organizations here are turning design into strategic advantage around the globe.
At Dyson, a brand built on design-led innovation, the country plays a critical role in scaling next-generation technology. “We chose to move to Singapore to be close to our growing markets and to invest in new technologies,” says John Churchill, chief technology officer, Dyson. “Singapore’s foresight, stability, and investment ecosystem give us the foundation to stay ahead.
Singapore’s deep talent pool has been critical to bringing energy and agility to the company’s global research and development efforts. One of those talents is Nicklaus Yu, who joined Dyson as a graduate engineer in 2012. “As a Singaporean, I’m proud to work with global teams on game-changing technologies,” he says. “Dyson’s headquarters here shows their belief in the talent we have.”
At Grab, Southeast Asia’s “everyday everything app,” design is just as central. “We’ve evolved from ride-hailing to serve a broad range of needs—from food delivery to payments,” says Patrick Jean, head of design, Grab. “Being in Singapore lets us stay connected to our users and make faster, more impactful design decisions.”
That hyperlocal thinking led to innovations such as KartaCam 2. Mounted on two-wheelers or backpacks, it maps locations cars can’t reach—including the narrow alleys of Hanoi or Bangkok. “It’s a solution designed for Southeast Asia, made possible in Singapore,” says Jean.
From reimagining global tech to designing for local relevance, both Dyson and Grab show how design in Singapore is not just about form or function—it’s a mindset for scaling innovation and shaping what’s next. DesignSingapore Council is nurturing this transformation at a national level, providing the infrastructure to turn ideas into action.
Watch the video above to see how design is redefining Singapore’s role on the global innovation stage.
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As Singapore’s national agency for design, we champion the use of design to grow business, spur innovation, and improve lives.
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